A Short Hike on Shaupeneak Ridge

Before the storm hit last night, Mutti and I went on a short hike on a beautiful ridge top yesterday. We drove south on I-87 to Kingston then through Esopus roaming secluded back roads in search of the Shaupeneak Ridge Park.

Mutti insisted we turn back because of what she thought was black ice on the hilly terrain. Instead, my new winter tires gripped the narrow roads without incident. We found the upper parking lot with time enough for a short 1-hour hike before night fall.

We bundled up tight, tossed a few granola bars in our pockets and snatched up a trail map at the information booth. We were on our way, picking up the short blue trail that looped around Louisa Pond, only 1.18 miles. We wanted to journey the red trail for the Catskill and Hudson overlooks but wisely decided to wait until next time.

A venturesome couple were ice skating on the frozen waters of Louisa Pond. They glided back and forth laughing at themselves when they fell, ignoring the hollowing winds and frigid temperatures. They shared miles of smooth sheets of ice with no one.

Crossing small bridges and stone walls, Mutti and I circled the ridge with only one small slip up. Her knees buckled and down she went, falling on a few loose rocks. But, like the skaters, she laughed it off with a smile.

The 570-acre Shaupeneak Ridge was saved from bulldozers in 1994 by the active citizens of Scenic Hudson. There are two parking lots, the lower that sits off Old Post Road and the upper that sits off Poppletown Road.

Coming back down Poppletown Road at the corner of Old Post Road sits this charming stone farm house build around 1800. The Registered Historic Landmark is occupied but beautifully maintained.